Niall's special day!

A young Rovers fan, who has remained strong in the face of adversity, was treated to a special day with his heroes.

Niall Newsham was invited to spend the day at Rovers' Senior Training Centre to reward his selfless care and support for his family.

The 13-year-old has spent much of his childhood looking after his granddad Graham, who suffered a severe spinal injury in 2009, before being diagnosed with a rare heart condition last summer, which later required major surgery.

Niall, who hails from Darwen, stuck by his granddad's side through thick and thin and the club was only too happy to give him the dream day he deserved.

The Darwen Aldridge Community Academy pupil was given a tour of the facilities at Brockhall and had lunch in the players' canteen.

As well as watching a first team training session, Niall also took part in a penalty shootout competition with stand-in goalkeeper Ben Marshall and was challenged to a game of pool by star striker Jordan Rhodes!

Niall, who has kept on top of his schoolwork despite devoting all of his spare time to his 'best buddy', said: "I've had a fantastic day. I can't thank the players and the club enough – it's been amazing!"